Caloundra City Autos

Tips For Picking A Family Car

This video offers some very useful tips that you can use when you’re choosing the perfect new or used car for your family. Many families opt for larger cars like SUVs, minivans, or crossover cars, and this video can help you to discern which is right for you. The first tip is one of the most important ones if you’re hoping for a car that will last you for years: think about the future when buying your car. You may have just one baby right now, but if you’re planning on having more kids – kids which will start in baby seats and then progress to forward facing seats and then the adult seats – you need a car with space and the right safety features to accommodate each option.

For large families, minivans are a good idea as they have plenty of space and seats. There’s lots of room to get to the back row to buckle up your kids, and there’s plenty of space in the boot for carrying toys, groceries, and pushchairs. SUVs are very sturdy, and crossovers combine that sturdiness with extra space and better fuel economy, making it an easier choice for your wallet.

The main thing to keep in mind really is that your car will last as long as you plan for. So if you think your family will expand, then it’s best to get a car that can cope with that now. If you’d like to talk to an expert of new and used family cars in Caloundra, call Caloundra City Autos on 07 5353 5494 or click here to send an enquiry.

Caloundra City Autos
45 Caloundra Road
Caloundra  QLD  4551

The Dangers Of Buying A Used Car From Online Forums Or Auctions

Online forums, such as Gumtree, or online auctions such as eBay are useful for purchasing a lot of things, but new and used cars may not be one of them. There are many dangers to buying a second hand car from these online sites, and it’s important to remember that what may look like a bargain on the screen may turn out to be a money vacuum in the long run. So think long and hard before using online classifieds to search for a used car, as the chances are you’re better off going to a new and used car dealer than buying from the web.

It’s true that you’ll undoubtedly be able to test drive your potential new purchase, and even have a good look at the engine and see its garage history. That doesn’t mean there aren’t hidden problems that the seller isn’t telling you about. The car could have an issue that only occurs every now and then, or one that is only apparent after it’s been driven for a longer distance than the amount you’ll be using it for every day. Once you’ve made your agreement with the seller, the problem is no longer theirs and you’ll be the one that has to foot the bill for any further issues.

That said, it is perfectly possible that a car bought from Gumtree or ebay could be in fine health – or, at least, the seller will be upfront about any issues – but you’re really better off heading to a dealer like Caloundra City Autos if you’re on the market for a used car. When it comes to cars, you’re better with a guarantee – so call 07 5353 5494 for more information or click here to send an enquiry.

Caloundra City Autos
45 Caloundra Road
Caloundra QLD 4551

Happy Mothers Day from Caloundra City Autos

Wishing all the wonderful, super-mum's out there a Happy Mothers Day. We are so grateful for everything you've done for us, being there when we needed you, sticking by through thick and thin. Mothers are our inspiration, our heros and our best friends.

Happy Mothers Day!

How To Change A Spark Plug

Learning how to change a spark plug is a convenient thing to do for many drivers, as it’s something else to add to your abilities when it comes to home car servicing. Changing spark plugs is relatively simple, meaning it’s well worth learning how to do it for yourself in order to save time and money should you ever need to have them changed in the future.

To change your spark plugs, you need a few tools first: a socket wrench with a spark plug socket, a gap gauge, and, of course, replacement spark plugs.

Start by cleaning the area around your current spark plugs using a handheld vacuum cleaner and a damp rag if you wish. As it’s important that each spark plug goes in its correct spot, change only one plug at a time so you don’t risk getting them mixed up. Remove the wire connected to the spark plug by pulling on the boot. Grip the boot and twist it to the right and left to loosen it. Once you’ve removed the wire, use the socket wrench to unscrew and remove the plug. If you find it tough to remove, be gentle. Once you’ve got it out, you can apply some anti-seize to stop the new plug from sticking, then gentle insert the new plug. Turn it anticlockwise to seat it in the socket, then clockwise to screw it in. Then replace the wire, and you’ve done your first plug!

If you’d like to be shown how to replace a spark plug why not head to Caloundra City Autos (or call 07 5353 5494) for car servicing?  Alternatively, you can send an enquiry by clicking here.

Caloundra City Autos
45 Caloundra Road
Caloundra  QLD  4551

The Importance Of A Mechanic Checking A Car Pre-Purchase

This short video outlines the reason why it’s so important to have a mechanic check out new or used cars you are interested in buying. It could be a mechanic from a dealer or somebody you know, but the more help you can get from an expert, the better.

Whether you are familiar with how cars work or not, there is a lot of trust put into whoever you’re buying the vehicle from to be honest about what the car is worth and its state of health. That’s not to say that sellers aren’t trustworthy, but we’ve all heard about those car dealers or individual sellers that try to make an extra dollar or two from people that just don’t know any better. If you want to make sure that you pay for what the car is worth and not a dollar more, then you need to take a knowledgeable mechanic you can trust with you – because nobody wants to end up with a car that ends up in the garage every month when it seemed to great when you bought it.  Further, it will be worthwhile to get a RACQ Vehicle Inspection. 

You can also help yourself out by going to only reputable car dealerships when looking for a new or used car in Caloundra. Dealerships with good reputations want to uphold that reputation, meaning you can trust them not to overcharge you or sell you a shoddy vehicle that will only last for six months. One such reputable dealer is Caloundra City Autos, which you can phone on 07 5353 5494 or click here to send an enquiry.

Caloundra City Autos
45 Caloundra Road
Caloundra  QLD  4551